For me, FHWS is …
a place where knowledge, friendships and experiences can be found.
What do you appreciate about FHWS?
I greatly appreciate the fact that there are a lot of professors who actively look after their students. The overall atmosphere at the university of applied sciences is very friendly and helpful. When I have had a problem, I have generally found dedicated people who were quickly able to help me. It also fascinated me to find out how much work is done behind the scenes. From cyber security through efforts on the crisis committee to dealing with international students. There are often several hours of work by half a dozen people behind a single email. Just being part of some committees has really taught me to appreciate everything that is done for us. And the best thing is that we as students also often have a voice and we can get involved.
What was the best decision in your professional career and why? What has changed since then?
Following my heart and studying social work instead of investing my energy in an education focusing on money. Go your own way and see what life has in store for you with a smile on your face.
What do you think has shaped FHWS the most over the last 50 years?
Coronavirus has definitely had a major influence on all of our lives in a very short space of time. If you look at the entire 50 years, the professorships always shape the majority of experiences in students’ lives. For me personally, the Freshers’ day had the most decisive impact on what followed. That was the first time I came into contact with student representation and at the same time I discovered university life from very different perspectives, in which fun and excitement should not be neglected.
What is your vision of the future for FHWS? What might FHWS look like in 50 years’ time?
I see a green building in the city, the majority of the walls are covered in vines which are already starting to show their autumn colours. At FHWS, I am greeted by our motto and I meet students from a variety of countries on my way to the lecture room. During the lecture, I can immediately take all of the books I need out from the library digitally. After university, I can take public transport directly to the FHWS sports field and spend my afternoon with my peers. At home, I go through the recording of the lecture again with comments from my fellow students in the appropriate places. And tomorrow could be an even better day.
What is your insider tip for the cities of Würzburg or Schweinfurt and why?
For real insider tips I would probably have to leak the address of some good friends. Apart from that, I can recommend a visit to the Residence with the Residence Garden (which is even free as an FHWS student). The garden is magnificent and relaxing. Inside the building, you are then greeted by a breath-taking ceiling fresco and can wander through the various rooms like a king. I mean the Palace of Versailles must have had their reasons for copying large parts of the Residence. And perhaps the reverse was also true ; )